Author's Note: This is a re-write of the original.

No Matter What I Choose

Summary: Takes place in Season 10, where Rachel plans to go to Paris to start a new life and a new career

Rachel opened the door to Central Perk, and sat down on the bright orange couch, in a complete and total daze. This was a dream come true, and was something that she deserved, and was something that she worked long and hard for. "Paris", Rachel thought to herself. She was asked to go and work for the Ralph Lauren Europe division. It meant a substantial pay increase as well as the fact that she would be working with some of the most recognized names in the fashion industry. But the timing was horrible, as she and Ross had just gotten back together and had a beautiful daughter together. How could she just leave everything and everybody she knew, behind?

But also she knew that an opportunity like this does not come by every day, and it was too good of an opportunity to just let slip by. She knew what she had to do, and she knew that she had to be true to her heart, even if it meant breaking the hearts of those closest to her. She knew that this should be the happiest day of her life, as her career in the fashion industry was about to take a major boost, but inside this was just killing her. How can she just leave behind everything and everybody she loves? The people who were there to pick her help when she fell, lent a shoulder when she needed to cry, and lent an ear when she needed to talk. How can she just leave all of that behind?

Also how can she just uproot Emma from the only life she ever knew and how can she just take her from her father? "If they're really your friends, they'll support you no matter what", she told herself. But there was a little voice in the back of her head that said "They'll support you, just because they ARE your friends. They'll never tell you how they really feel". Rachel tried to weigh the pros and cons of such a drastic change. One one hand, she will be working with some of the top designers in the industry, but on the other hand, it meant moving to Paris. But then again, this is PARIS. Rachel sighed, knowing that she would be able to send Emma to some of the best schools and start saving for collage. But was all of that worth what she would be losing?

"I owe this to myself", Rachel said, "But I also owe it to be with friends and family". Rachel shook her head, as she tried to decided what to do and kept saying "This is Paris. You worked too hard and you owe this to yourself", to herself over and over again, as if looking for some self-approval. But 8,000 miles is a long way to be apart from her friends and family. Rachel sighed, knowing that no matter what she chooses, she will be giving up something else

Monica was cooking hamburger helper, trying to fight off Joey as Ross, Phoebe, and Chandler are watching TV. "I'm hungry", Joey whined and Monica said dinner would be in another hour. "That long", he whined as he was looking over Monica's shoulder, as she was cooking. "Get out of my kitchen and leave me alone". Monica growled as she pushed Joey out of the way. Joey grabbed a bowl and started to eat the sauce as Monica frowned and said "Don't eat the sauce, Joey".

Joey placed the empty bowl on the counter and Monica said that was supposed to be their supper. "So, just open another package of sauce mix", Joey said as Monica grabbed the empty bowl with a grunt and replied the Hamburger Helper only had one package of sauce mix. "And how is that my fault", Joey replied as he was going thru the refrigerator. "That does it", Monica exclaimed as she grabbed Joey's hand, marching him out of the kitchen and into the living room.

Rachel came in, and gathered everybody to the dining room table, saying she needed to talk about something important. "What's going on", Monica asked as they all sit down, looking at Rachel. "Ok", she began, "I have been offered a great promotion within Ralph Lauren". Everybody congratulates her and she says "The money is great, and this is an opportunity that I cannot simply let slip by". Monica smiles and says "Of course not. You worked hard and paid your dues, and you deserve this". Ross hugged Rachel and said "This is so great, and I am so very proud of you"

Rachel sighed and said "There's just one tiny, little catch". Ross look at her and said "What's that". Rachel replied that if she wanted the job, she would have to go to Paris. Everybody looked at her, stunned and Joey asked "Paris, Texas"? Rachel rolled her eyes and said "Yes, I have to go to Paris, Texas". Joey smiled and said "Good... because for a minute, I thought you were going to say you had to go to Paris, France". Ross asked "Why do you have to go to Paris? Is this like a once-a-week type thing"?

Ross had to take a few seconds to let everything sink in, as Joey said "Relax, Paris Texas is not really all that far". Everybody stares at Joey and he is in deep thought and said "Ohhh... you're really going to France, aren't you". Ross ignores Joey and said "Sweetie, what are you going to tell that". Rachel didn't say a word, as her eye's said it all and Ross said "You already told them yes, didn't you". Phoebe protested and said "What? You already told them yes".

Rachel nodded, saying she will leave in another month. Monica hugs Rachel, saying how happy she is for her as Ross just sits there, not believing what is happening. He wants to be happy for her, as she worked hard and deserved this, but he couldn't help feeling that he also wanted her in New York as well. "Where does this leave us", Ross said as he finally broke the silence. Rachel went over to Ross and said "There will always be us, and that will not change things. This is just something that I have to do... for me. Besides it's not like you will never see me again. They'll fly me here one month and fly you out the next... anything we need, they'll work with us"

"Ross", Rachel pleaded, "Please say you're ok with this. I really wish you could be happy for me". As they hug, Ross says "I am happy for you" and then silently mouths "No, I'm not". Rachel leaves, saying she needed to take care of some things. "I can't believe she's leaving", Phoebe said. Monica nodded and said "I know and this is hard for me as well and she's like a sister to me, but Rachel has always been there for each and every one of us, now it's our turn to be there for her".